DUI manslaughter suspect's family apologizes

Man charged with DUI manslaughter after 2 killed in crash

MIAMI - The family of a man charged with DUI manslaughter after police say he crashed his car, killing two men outside Jumbo's restaurant, offers a statement apologizing to the men's families.

Miami police said Antonio Lawrence had a blood-alcohol level of 0.253 percent after the Saturday night crash that killed Wilton Harris, a pastor, and Aljo Hamlin, a church deacon.

Police said Lawrence lost control of his SUV and hit two parked cars, sending one of them into Jumbo's Restaurant, Harris and Hamlin were outside the restaurant when they were hit.

On Tuesday afternoon, Tangela Sears and the Lawrence family released a statement saying they wanted "to express our most heartfelt apology and condolences" to the families of the men who died.

"The accident that caused the death of these much loved individuals was senseless and tragic. As a family who has suffered many losses, we understand your pain and we empathize with you in this time of grief. We encourage each of you to lean on your faith in God and please know that we are praying for you," the statement said.

Lawrence is charged with DUI and DUI manslaughter. His bond was set at $30,000.

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